Automotive Key Repair - What to Do When Your Car Key Won't Turn in the Ignition
We've all been there - your car keys won't turn on the ignition. It occurs at the most inconvenient moments, like when you're filling your trunk with groceries, or when you're returning home from work.
There are many different solutions to help you get back on your way. Here are a few common car key repair issues and solutions for them:
Broken or bent keys
The most common reason an owner of a car cannot begin their vehicle is a bent key. This can be easily repaired by simply straightening the key. This may sound simple, but it is important to do it with care. The key is extremely thin and could break if bent even slightly.
To do this, you'll need an area that is stable, as well as a pair of pliers. Grab one end of the key using the pliers and bend it until it is straight. This can be done on a flat surface or in a vise. You can then put it inside the lock to see if it changes.
If not, you might require a new key made. This will prevent you from having to call a locksmith and can ensure that your key will function.
Keep a spare key in your pocket so you're not without a way to enter your vehicle if yours is damaged.
If you are having trouble inserting a bent or broken lock key, try applying some lubricant to it. This will allow it move more easily through the cylinder and prevent it from getting stuck. You can use a spray graphite powder or lubricant. If you are using a spray, ensure you attach the plastic tubing that came with it to ensure a more precise application. This will also help to keep moisture from damaging your key.
Spring pins and springs with pins
Sometimes, a pin (also known as a roll pin) or spring can become stuck. Pins are a tiny piece of metal that is between 5.1 and 7.6 cm (2.5-3.0 in) long, with hollow ends. It is used to connect two parts of machines. In most instances, you can take out a pin by simply pulling it out using your fingers or a wrench.
If you have a newer vehicle that is equipped with keys with microchips inside, there is an opportunity for the key to be programmed to work with your vehicle. This procedure can be easy or complex depending on the manufacturer and car.
If you require assistance with your car keys or locks, give us call! We can repair, replace or program virtually any car key.
Gear Selector
If your car's gear selector becomes stuck in park mode, it's important to take it to a mechanic as soon as you notice it. This is a safety issue and could result in serious vehicle damage if you continue driving. This could also be a sign that the transmission is experiencing more serious problems, which are costly to fix.
Luckily, most of the time, this issue is easily fixable. The most common reason the gear selector could get stuck is that one of the cable ends has snapped off or separated from the lever itself. This is a straightforward fix and a mechanic will usually complete the task in a couple of minutes.
In some instances, the bushings of the gear selector could be damaged or worn. Rubber covers are positioned around the joints of the gear system in order to keep it fluid. These covers function similar to cartilage joints, so they need to be flexible and healthy.
It's not unusual for them to degrade over time, but there are some things you can do to prolong their life. You should avoid the gear selection during extremely more info cold weather. This is because the cables controlling the gear tend to freeze and cracking. It is recommended to replace the bushings with high quality ones, like the ones from First Line.
These bushings are an essential element of your gear selector and shouldn't be overlooked. If you notice that yours is damaged get more info it is best to visit an auto repair shop specializing in Land Rover repairs. They can assist you in finding the right parts to fix the gear selection system. They also offer various other services, including transmission maintenance and service.
Dead battery
If you switch the key in the ignition and hear nothing but a click then your battery is dead. The average battery lasts between three and five years, and as they get older, they undergo natural processes that cause them to die more info early. This is because the negative plates of the battery in your car begin to be coated with crystals of sulfate.
A dead battery could cause your vehicle to lose power, which can lead to the radio or electric window not working properly. If your car has been having issues beginning in cold weather, it is an indication that it's time to get an upgrade to your battery.
Sometimes, the issue may not be due to a dead battery, but a malfunction within the charging system of your vehicle. This issue can be fixed by having your mechanic verify that the alternator, serpentine belt and battery cables are working properly.
Another common repair for a key in the automotive is the key fob that has stopped working properly. The key fob connects to the computer in your vehicle and relays signals as well as commands between the engine and the accessory systems. The system could become confused or stop communicating with your car if it is exposed to extreme temperatures or gets wet.
It is usually possible to reset the lost key fob by following the steps in the owner's manual. Depending on the model of your car, you may need to open and close the doors, turn the lights and other electronic devices on and off by pressing a specific sequence of buttons, or close and open the windows. If this doesn't solve your fob, it might require professional programming by an expert technician. But it's still worthwhile to try these easy steps before you decide to shell out for a new device.
Ignition socket
Modern car keys come with a transponder chip embedded in them. It transmits more info a signal to a receiver in the ignition when they are inserted. The signal informs the immobilizer on the car if the key is the correct one for it to start. In the 1990s theft of vehicles became a problem that most manufacturers put this transponder security system into their vehicles for security and insurance purposes.
If you own a newer vehicle, the only option to replace your key could be at the dealership or by calling the manufacturer directly. Note down the VIN (vehicle ID number) of your car prior to you leave. This can be found on the front of the dashboard, door jamb, or in the owner's manual.
Bring your existing working key to an AutoZone participating store. A staff member will make use of a machine that will trace the contours of the blank key in order to precisely replicate the original key. They will then cut the read more new key using an exact cutting machine on site. If your key is a blade-style or key fob or has a hefty black or grey head on it, it'll need to be programmed to the specific car you own before it can be used to start the engine.